BS Podcast: Who Pill Shames People with Mental Illness?

Anyone with mental illness who has spent any time on social media has encountered pill shaming. A common example is a beautiful picture of a nature scene with the words, “The only anti-depressant you need” boldly pasted across the top.

Whether you are in an online or in-person support group or talking to your friends, if you are a person taking psychiatric medications, you have probably encountered pushback. Some of these people are confused, some well-meaning, and some pushing their own agendas, but one message comes through to people with mental illness: You are different for taking medications.

In this episode, Gabe and Michelle discuss pill shaming openly and honestly. They cover what exactly it is, why it happens, and how it makes them feel. They even discuss how they have pill shamed themselves.

Listen Now.

 

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“I pill shamed myself more than anyone else.”
– Michelle Hammer

 

Highlights From ‘Mental Illness Pill Shaming’ Episode

[1:00] Is all mental illness pill shaming malicious?

[4:00] How many Americans have taken psychiatric medications?

[6:00] Are psychiatric medications over-prescribed in America?

[12:00] Michelle’s story of being pill shamed by professionals.

[14:00] Michelle’s story of flipping out at the pharmacy.

[16:00] The struggles of picking up controlled substances.

[18:00] Idiots who pill shame people with mental illness using pictures of nature.

 

Meet Your Bipolar and Schizophrenic Hosts

GABE HOWARD was formally diagnosed with bipolar and anxiety disorders after being committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003. Now in recovery, Gabe is a prominent mental health activist and host of the award-winning Psych Central Show podcast. He is also an award-winning writer and speaker, traveling nationally to share the humorous, yet educational, story of his bipolar life. To work with Gabe, visit gabehoward.com.

 

MICHELLE HAMMER was officially diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 22, but incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 18. Michelle is an award-winning mental health advocate who has been featured in press all over the world. In May 2015, Michelle founded the company Schizophrenic.NYC, a mental health clothing line, with the mission of reducing stigma by starting conversations about mental health. She is a firm believer that confidence can get you anywhere. To work with Michelle, visit Schizophrenic.NYC.

from World of Psychology https://psychcentral.com/blog/bs-podcast-who-pill-shames-people-with-mental-illness/